Two absolutely brave men ; Salute

I watched the tremendous feat of daring and human determination last night when Nik Wallenda did what no other person has ever accomplished; walked a tight rope across Niagara Falls at night in less than favorable conditions.

It is too bad that the officials would not permit him to do it without a thither; that certainly would have given Nik the undisputed distinction.He would have wanted it that way.

Be that as it may, his walk was absolutely astonishing.

But for me when it comes to having the biggest set of goolunies on the planet I have to give my check mark to Joseph Kittinger.

His phenomenal accomplishment was rarely heard of and known to most people.

In 1960 Joe took a special constructed hot air balloon 19.5 mile up; that is 102,960 feet. When he reached that altitude he jumped out of the gondola wearing a special made space suit.

He did a free fall for 4 minutes and 36 seconds before he pulled the rip cord for his parachute and was the first human being to go faster than the speed of sound with out and aircraft. This guy hit 714 miles an hour in his free fall.

“Ballooning.” Microsoft R Encarta Online Encyclopedia. “In 1960 Captain Joseph Kittinger of US Air Force bailed out of a polyethylene plastic balloon at 31,354 m setting a new altitude record for balloon flight and a new record for parachute descent.”” 31,354 m
(1960)
Colonel Joe Kittinger. First Flight Society. 2004. On August 16, 1960, he set three world records: the highest parachute jump (102,800 feet), the longest parachute free fall (4 minutes 36 seconds), and the first person to exceed the speed of sound without an aircraft or space vehicle (714 mph during free fall).” 31,330 m
(1960)
Holladay, April. Sky diving from the edge of space, boiling ostrich eggs. USA Today, 10 January 2003. “On Aug. 16, 1960, Kittinger set the world’s record (which remains unbroken) for the longest (19.5 miles) and fastest (4 minutes and 36 seconds) skydive. He reported his experience in National Geographic. His epic dive started from a helium balloon that he floated to an altitude of 102,800 feet (31,330 m). This high, the sky is black and the Sun intense.” 31,330 m
(1960)
[29 August] 1960 Life Magazine Issues for Sale at 2Neat Magazines.
“Aug. 29, 1960: Cover – Joseph W. Kittinger starting his record 85,300 foot free fall before opening his parachute (great photos inside, too) – he rode up to 102,800 feet in an open gondola balloon then jumped out.” 31,330 m
(1960)

I think that Joseph Kittinger should also get a round of applause from the world for his death defying feat. He is one gutsy guy.

Nik; great job. The world is anxiously awaiting your next great accomplishment.

Saluto; vivere una vita lunga